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Surge in Gun and Ammo Purchases Continues

The Jacksonville Times-Union reports that local firearms dealers are having trouble keeping ammunition in stock. Among the leading reasons cited is the political climate, with many citizens fearful of increased restrictions on handgun ownership coming in the next months to year.

One reason for the run on guns and ammunition may have to do with politics. Rukab said about 70 percent of his sales were handguns and – mostly in January – sales were up about 80 percent because of gun control talk associated with President Barack Obama’s administration.

“The continued increase in demand for firearms and ammunition throughout the entire United States is clear and is largely being driven by the political concerns of gun owners,” said Ted Novin, director of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

This increase in gun sales is a direct result of the “new [presidential] administration attempts to chip away at the Second Amendment,” said Alexa Fritts, spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association in Fairfax, Va.

This is also why NRA membership has increased by 30 percent since President Barack Obama’s election, she said.